Volunteerism
The Issue/Public Feedback
As stated earlier, the role of volunteers within the BC SPCA was a common theme that surfaced in submissions and at public hearings. In particular, the hearings in Vancouver and Victoria had numerous volunteers and former volunteers in attendance. These volunteers expressed anger at how they are treated by staff and their frustration and horror at what they viewed as neglectful and inhumane treatment of animals by BC SPCA staff. The panel is not in the position to judge the truth of such accusations. However, many of the most angry and vocal people at the public hearings were former volunteers who have left the BC SPCA. They are now among the people who damage the BC SPCA by writing letters to the editor and by joining activist groups who publicly oppose the BC SPCA. At the same time, there are many committed volunteers who stay on in spite of their discouragement, because they believe it is they who provide the greatest love and care for the animals.
Recommendations
The willingness of volunteers to be involved and make a difference for animals is a valuable resource and, in our view, one the BC SPCA must make better use of. A strong and loyal contingent of volunteers can offer significant support to the BC SPCA in fulfilling its mission.
To this end, we recommend that the BC SPCA commit more resources in developing and training its volunteers. A good example is the Kelowna Branch, where a paid volunteer coordinator has been able to draw and retain a large contingent of volunteers that support all facets of the branch's operations from animal care to fundraising. We recommend that the BC SPCA seriously consider hiring regional volunteer coordinators to recruit and train volunteers and to develop community-based volunteer programs throughout BC. Any additional costs would most likely come back in donor dollars, as communities benefit from expanded services and programs that a healthy volunteer base can help make possible.
We recommend that the BC SPCA pay more attention to how volunteers are integrated into shelter operations. It appears that most staff/volunteer problems are occurring in the Lower Mainland and Victoria where staff is unionized. Joan McArthur-Blair, local panel member in Vancouver, recommends that the BC SPCA actively seek ways of resolving the issues between these groups. She suggests that the BC SPCA conduct focus groups with volunteers and staff to explore the issues further. It would also be useful, she points out, to include the union in redesign and re-formatting of the employee/volunteer relationship.
Our specific recommendations call on the BC SPCA to:
Urgent
• Commit more resources to volunteer recruitment, management and development.

• Develop a plan to hire regional Volunteer Coordinators.
Short-term
• Conduct focus groups with BC SPCA unionized staff and volunteers to resolve issues between these groups.

• Work with the union in the redesign of the employee/volunteer relationship.